WATCH: First gay Mortal Kombat character revealed?

Say what you will of the Mortal Kombat franchise: despite a constant struggle with reinvention, its sensibilities remain trapped in amber. While satisfying blows and sickening fatalities are the series' staples, progressiveness is not. That might have changed with Mortal Kombat X, which suggests that Kung Jin, a bow-wielding cousin of series regular Kung Lao, is  the first ever gay character in the series. 

 

That's according to Gay Star News' Joe Morgan, who assures readers: "Don't worry, he's a badass." Morgan points to two pieces of evidence that allude to Jin's (closeted) sexuality. The first is in a cut-scene conversation with Raiden. 

 

In the cut-scene, Raiden tries to convince Kung Jin to honor his ancestors by training in Shao Lin and becoming a warrior. "Self-loathing has always been an unfortunate part of your make-up," observes Raiden. Kung Jin replies, "I can't… they won't… accept…" Raiden interrupts him, saying "They care only about what is in your heart. Not whom your heart desires."

 

 

It could be argued that Jin is alluding to a forbidden "Romeo & Juliet" romance. For all we know, this might even be an allusion to a longing for Mileena, the villainous vixen with a gruesome grin. It's likely that no Shao Lin order would approve of such a romance.  But the second piece of evidence is a tweet from Mortal Kombat X's cinematic director Dominic Cianciolo coyly suggesting the accuracy of such an interpretation. 

 

@bcharred I see people are picking up on the subtle exposition contained in Kung Jin's flashback. Glad we have observant fans!

— Dominic Cianciolo (@domcianciolo) April 14, 2015

 

 

It seems pretty minor, truth be told, as that would make Jin closeted, as opposed to being openly gay like characters like Dorian Pavus of Dragon Age: Inquisition or the bisexual commando Axton from Borderlands 2. Still, it would be in keeping with Mortal Kombat X subtle attempts to becoming more inclusive. Female characters in the game have more realistic proportions and slightly less revealing costumes. Baby steps. 

 

Mortal Kombat X was released last week on April 14. It was preceded by extensive promotions on television and in print as well as extensive preview footage on various gaming outlets. Series creator Ed Boon said it was the biggest launch in the franchise's history. — TJD, GMA News